Chapter 6- Computer and Network Security

Hackers- I think Hackers are very relavant to teachers since some of our students will someday be hackers. I might not be able to prevent my students to become hackers but if any of them do, I hope that they will hack with the common good in mind. Maybe if educators concentrate on building caring learning communities where kids feel valued and value others we won't have to worry about this. Of course we also need parents to support our efforts.

Response to Chapter 5- Privacy

I'm interested in discussing how the Patriot Act impacts American's privacy. It's something that is discussed by the media frequently. I can't make up my mind about as to whether the Patriot Act allows the government to go to far. In one way I'm sure that it does. Historically speaking, the goverment or certain goverment individuals always end up abusing their ability to investigate citizen's private lives. On the other hand, many criminals have been caught and prosecuted because of these investigations. I feel like I don't have anything to hide so I've never worried too much about my private life being invaded. Maybe since I'm a Democrat and a proponent of social justice I should be worried than I am!

Debate rages o0ver digital divide-3rd article by Loretta

Since I have been concerned about inequity between wealthy and poor districts for quite some time I found this article very interesting. It makes sense that the wealthier school districts are going to provide more technology in their classrooms. The kids at the lowere end of the socio-economic spectrum are once again left out. Why do the higher socio- economic kids always have more advantages? The children in the Leavenworth schools do have technology available to them. This is wonderful! Know we need to make sure we have appropriate programs and staff training. We will continue to have to put time and resources into our technology program. Loretta

Assistive Technology Benefits all Students-2nd article by Loretta

This article was an interview with Steve Timmere. It sounds like he has developed a lot of exciting computer programs that all learners can benefit from. Even my kindergartners could benefit from a pragram like Universal Reader where books or passasges are read to them. I hope opur school district will be able to implement Talking Dictionary and Text to Audio. These are programs that help learning disabled students along with everyone else. Loretta

Article: The National Technology plan

This article was an interview with Ms. Patrick, one of the directors of the national Technology orginization. She said one of the interesting components of the study they did in schools was the student survey. 70% of the students want to be involved in helping their school and community. I think this is great news! Know we need to think of a way to help them make that happen. I think it is great that we are working on how we can use technology to make our schools better but I also think we need to keep it in perspective. How will we be able to afford the implementation of technology into all of our schools? Will we think it is more important to spend money on technology than on teachers?

The Blue Nowhere-2nd post

one of the issues the first 250 pages raises is parenting. The character of Phate has some of the problems he has because of being ignored by his parents. He didn't suffer poverty or substandard living conditions when growing up. His parents were basically too busy with their own careers to bother with him. I'm wondering if this is a social commentary by Deaver on the state of our current parenting. I'm concerned that many parents today are very busy with their career and that they use technology as a babysitter. As Deaver points out in this book that could be very dangerous. Loretta

The first half of The Blue Nowhere

Because of the assigned reading from Internet & Computer Ethics, I understtod a lot more of the computer terminology in this book. Because it is a thriller, it is very fun reading. I have to say this book has made me much more cynical about the use of the internet. How many people are really using their computer knowledge for good, ethical purposes? Do we really want a society where on the web nobody is what they seem to be. It makes me think the web is just one giant game. A game to get money, power and attention. I don't like any of the characters in this book that are obssesed computers. How can you let yourself live in such a false reality? How can we let our computers be abused to such a degree as parents? Because we're lazy. Letting our kids spent too much time recreational time with technology is just too easy. The first half of The Blue Nowhere has really made me think about the future. I think it's going to turn out like a science fiction movie!